What actions can prevent becoming like the "boar from the forest"? Recognizing the Warning in Psalm 80:13 “The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it.” Israel’s vine was being trampled and devoured. The “boar” pictures a force—or a person—who tears down rather than nurtures God’s work. Scripture shows clear steps that keep us from becoming that destructive presence. Root Yourself in Ongoing Fellowship with God • Daily, unhurried time in the Word (Psalm 1:2; James 1:21). • Consistent prayer, not just crisis prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Quick repentance when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). Choose Edification over Destruction • Guard your speech: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2). • Build up others intentionally (Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse gossip and slander, which trample reputations like the boar tramples vines (Proverbs 26:20-22). Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Put to death works of the flesh—anger, envy, dissension (Galatians 5:19-21). • Remember: unchecked flesh becomes destructive, just as the boar’s nature is to ravage. Stay Connected to Christ’s Body • Engage in gathered worship and mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Seek counsel and accountability; isolation breeds wildness (Proverbs 18:1). • Use your gifts to serve, not to dominate (1 Peter 4:10). Pursue Humility and Teachability • “In humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). • Welcome correction (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Keep a servant-heart mindset modeled by Christ (Mark 10:45). Protect the Vineyard of God • Pray for and support leaders who shepherd God’s people (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Guard doctrine faithfully, so error does not uproot the vine (Titus 1:9). • Engage in peacemaking when tensions arise (Matthew 5:9). Living these actions turns us from a forest boar into a fruitful branch, preserving and prospering the vineyard of the Lord rather than tearing it apart. |
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